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The spacer, or also called a chamber device, is used to extend the space between the mouth and the metered-dose inhaler (MDI). We consider a large volume spacer essential. The spacer helps to deliver as much medicine as possible to your lungs and to avoid the side effects of medication deposition within the mouth and throat.
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If using a standard spacer (Aerochamber brand & others) 1. Remove the caps from the spacer and metered-dose inhaler. 2. Shake the metered-dose inhaler vigorously. 3. Insert the mouthpiece of the inhaler into the rubber-sealed end of the spacer. |
If using a "MediSpacer" brand spacer device 1. Uncap mouthpiece and MDI cradle 2. Shake the MDI canister vigorously. 3. Insert the MDI canister into the MDI cradle port. When in use the cradle port must always be facing upward |
To Use The MDI With Any Spacer:
1. Exhale.
2. Put the mouthpiece of the spacer into your mouth and seal your lips around it.
3. Tilt your head back slightly.
4. Press the canister down FIRMLY to spray one puff of medication into the spacer.
5. Inhale slowly and deeply through your mouth. If you are inhaling correctly you should only hear a LIGHT whistling sound. If you hear a LOUD whistle, you are inhaling to vigorously.
6. Hold your breath and remove the spacer from your mouth.
7. Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can.
8. Breathe out slowly.
9. If more than one puff is prescribed, repeat the procedure (do not spray more than one puff at a time into the spacer).
Care Of Your Spacer:
Wash the metered-dose inhaler plastic case and spacer once every 1-2 weeks with soapy tap water and dry thoroughly. With time, the flap valve may harden and start to curl, making the chamber inefficient.
How Much Is Left In My MDI?
The float test, taught to our patient’s for many years, turns out NOT to be a reliable way to estimate how much medicine is left in your canister. The canister may feel like there is something inside and can actually be depleted of active medication (just propellant inside). For this reason, we recommend counting the doses and then discarding the unit after the allotted number of puffs (printed on the canister). A simple way to keep track of these puffs is with a Doser unit sold on the internet (Contact MEDITRACK at 1-800-863-9633 for information on how to order a DOSER or go to www.doser.com)
